Joint pain refers to discomfort, aches, and soreness in any of the body's joints. This can range from mild to severe, and may feel like a dull ache or a sharp shooting pain.
Some common causes of joint pain include:
Who gets joint pain?
Joint pain affects people of all ages. Certain factors put individuals more at risk:
The joints most often impacted by pain include the knees, hips, back, neck, shoulders, and ankles.
What are the symptoms?
The hallmark symptom is aching, tenderness, stiffness or swelling around a joint. This may be accompanied by:
How is joint pain diagnosed and treated?
Diagnosis begins with a medical history and physical exam of the affected joint. The provider may test joint fluid or blood to determine if infection or autoimmune issues are the catalyst. Imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans or MRI scans can assess damage to cartilage, bone, ligaments and tendons.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may include:
If you suffer from persistent joint discomfort and stiffness that interferes with daily activities, schedule an evaluation with a healthcare provider. Early intervention can slow the progression of many joint disorders.
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